Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Outlet Shopping with Layers and Sparkles

So yesterday, hubby and I went to The Outlets at Banbridge - about 20 minutes from Belfast. Not sure if your OH is like mine but basically, mine shops twice a year. Buys a few shirts and a few pairs of jeans, maybe a jumper and that's him. No shopping for another 6 months or so. It's like that book 'Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars' - I don't know a single woman who shops like that!

(oh and if you're reading this and you're a woman and that's how you shop...you need to send me an email...I'm fascinated and need to know more)

Back to the outlet visit. We arrived too early. Nothing as bleak as an outlet village in the middle of the country with no shops open. But it was an opportunity to get blog photos done without people staring when you're shouting at hubby to 'GET THE FECKING HANDBAG IN THE SHOT'...I joke...of course I never shout at him. Ha!

And here's the under-layer! I was definitely shouting 'hurry up - I'm FREEZING!' at the hubster for these ones. But I wanted to show you this great knitted jacket that I randomly came across on the Boden site over Christmas. It got good reviews and was down to £29 from £99 so I thought I'd take a punt on it to see if it would be a nice transitional piece (fashion speak that helps you justify random purchases). For info, the colour is closer to the second photo below and I am wearing a size 12:

I also picked up this Emma top that had more mixed reviews on the Boden site but I was looking for a plain navy top and I liked the detail under the bust - good for the norkily-challenged amongst us. It comes up TINY - this is a 12 and to be honest, I think I could have done with the 14. It's quite tight on the bit under the bust and it just skims over the mum tum. It comes in grey also and I'm considering buying it in the 14 ....for research purposes and because it would make a good transitional piece...haha! It's got 3/4 sleeves for info. Nice weight of cotton and it's only £10.50! Check it out on this link.

So that's the outfit done - now onto the outlet shopping! In my opinion, the best shop in the Banbridge Outlets is the LK Bennett store. I could have done major damage here. It's the first place I'd go to if I had a wedding and it's the first place I'm heading to when my 'can't get in' saving tin is full of new handbag money. Though I'd have had a job choosing between these beauties...the Annina in Tan (£145) and the Katie in Berry (£110). Both with an additional 15% off if you get the coupons at the welcome desk.

I also loved this nude patent leather wallet - it was £50

This great bag was on sale in the M&S outlet. It's from the Autograph range and is black and burgundy leather. My neighbour and my sister in law both have it from M&S last winter and I've always admired it. Burgundy is such a good handbag colour.

But it was only reduced from £75 to £62.50, which is more than it cost in the sale last winter. There were quite a few in stock and the lady in the changing room said they may be reduced further. I'll keep an eye on it!

So what did I buy? Well, one item is a sale essential so I'm saving it for next week but I can show you these metallic pumps that I got in Gap for £7.99. Perfect for spring/summer and unusually for a lot of pointed pumps, they fit my wide foot without pinching. Obviously not leather but they have a good flexible sole on them.

And the best bit? Mr SGS bought both these and my sale essential piece for me. Love him.

Some nice picks but I've noticed something else Avril. Has Mr SGS got himself a new camera and some new photography skills (picked up no doubt from Marlene). That first photo is really sharp and lovely.

Oh and my Grumps shops the same as you. They're a different breed aren't they?

I bought that LK Bennett wallet in burgundy for my MIL for Christmas ... but in the Kildare outlet it was down to €40! Sue is right .. the pics really are gorgeous. Is that the camera or the shouting LOL?!!!!

Gorgeous - that first photo is brilliant! My Husband shops like that too - saves all his money then goes and gets what he wants - though he may be the only guy that keeps an Excel spreadsheet of 'clothes I want':)

Thanks Joanna re the photograph...hubby v pleased to hear his skills are being appreciated! Oh and I don't doubt that my hubby has some sort of spreadsheet going on. He has for everything else we buy in this house! Ax

I went outlet shopping at Clark Village, Street yesterday! So glad they don't have an L K Bennett there.....I would have done some serious damage in there! I picked up those very same pumps in Gap but I popped them back and I was being good and only allowed myself one purchase!

Love the Boden sparkly cardy, it is so perfect with the top and your Canterbury clutch, such gorgeous colours x

My OH does exactly that but goes on his own. He popped to Next in early December near his office and casually spent £150 on trousers, 2x shoes, jumpers... In, out, done is his motto. Doesn't happen often, as you say, maybe twice a year but it seems to keep him ticking over for work/casual.

Golf stuff on the other hand he seems to come home with new bits every month; windstopper jackets, waterproof jackets, waterproof socks, mittens, zip jumpers etc. He plays twice a week in the winter and at least 4-5 times a week in the spring/summer. I can't really criticise as I have A LOT of running gear :-)

It's a great way to shop Lou but a bit boring! But LOL at the golf comment - EXACTLY the same!! For something you do so rarely? So there is a madness in their shopping habits too - thanks for reminding me! Ax

Avril, I bagged the m and s burgundy number in the sale for a bargain £28, fabulous quality bag and goes with so much, if it goes down further I highly recommend you acquire, I am on my second winter season of using and still looks as good as new, love your blog tx

Thanks so much and WOW - £28!! So they are being a bit cheeky with the £62.50 I reckon...will hold on for now but yes, you seem to have found it as useful as my sis in law and friend. Great quality and colour. Ax

Is still have yet to head to Banbridge, can u believe that! We have junction one here, but there's not a lot of women's clothes shops (for my age anyway). Loving that scarf, may have to get one off you on Sunday! Great photos btw, well done Mr SGS - worth all the shouting!!

Ha, absolutely, my husband shops twice a year too and usually has a dizzy episode as he reckons he is actually allergic to shops..we are sooo different it's untrue! I adore that blue Boden cardigan on you the colour is beautiful. The M&S bag is fab too definitely worth keeping an eye on as it looks so much more expensive! Sounds like my idea of a perfect 'date day'! x

My hubby seems to have developed a liking for TKMaxx and every time we head to our shopping mall pops in and comes out with a bargain!! Love your top and knitted jacket and I'm still hankering after that lovely scarf! I showed your pic to my hubby and explained that this is how an outfit pic should be taken, shame your hubby can't give mine some tips! xx

My Hubby is the same! He loves clothes & fashion but loathes shopping....& I mean every kind of shopping! Food, house, clothes is all up to me! So glad to know I'm not the only one who shouts.....erm I mean directs my Hubby with the photo taking! Love your new pumps! I've got my eye on a pair with an ankle strap atm but yours are a great colour & price! Ax

I love reading your comments and will reply as soon as I can if you have a specific question. If for any reason, you are unable to leave a comment, just drop me an email at avril@alifetostyle.com or leave a comment on the A Life to Style Facebook Page! Thank you xx

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I'm Avril - a 40-something busy working mum with a love of all things stylish. This blog is where I share my love of fashion, sale shopping, fitness & general musings on this funny old world of blogging & social media. Email me on avril@alifetostyle.com or click on the links below to see more!